For Arizona, this is excellent news for a team which seems primed to make a serious Final Four run in the 2013-2014 season. A 6’8 forward, Gordon should fit in nicely along the Wildcats frontline, which will likely return Brandon Ashley, Kaleb Tarczewski and Grant Jerrett. Nick Johnson and transfer T.J. McConnell are expected to start in the backcourt for the Wildcats, whose 2013 season ended with a Sweet 16 loss to Ohio State last week.

During the recruiting process, there was a focus on Arizona’s talented young frontcourt with freshmen Kaleb Tarczewski, Grant Jerrett and Brandon Ashley. Gordon, listed as a power forward, viewed Arizona as a place where the numbers would allow him to slide to the small forward spot. “What they have is a really, really loaded frontcourt, so that would make us so big, and they have a very experienced backcourt as well,” Gordon said. “They lose three of their seniors, three of their main scorers. Sean Miller’s a really good coach. “I love it. I’m not trying to be conceited or cocky, but I’m not the type of player that can afford to be left on the bench. I don’t know what specifically I’ll do for you, but I’m going to produce numbers, points, blocks. Having a huge frontcourt, that would push me out (to the small forward position). I think I’ll be too big for 3s and 2s and too fast for 4s and 5s.”

Gordon has expanded his game dramatically over the past couple of seasons, going from a player who mostly has an impact in transition to one who can handle the ball, run the break and also knock down perimeter shots. … Next season is shaping up very nicely for Arizona. The Wildcats are young but extremely talented in the frontcourt with Nick Johnson and Duquesne transfer T.J. McConnell. Throw in five-star freshman Rondae Jefferson and scorer Elliott Pitts on the perimeter, and things are looking great inTucson. Moreover, Gordon’s commitment is a sign that Miller continues to be one of the best recruiters in the game.

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COMING THURSDAY

In Thursday’s Mercury News, we will unveil our basketball players of the year and players named to our first, second and third teams, as well an honorable mention list.

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